As the holiday season approaches, many Italian-American families eagerly prepare for one of the most beloved Christmas Eve traditions — the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Rooted in Southern Italian customs, this culinary celebration brings family and friends together to share a lavish meal centered around an array of delicious seafood dishes.
What is the Feast of the Seven Fishes?
The Feast of the Seven Fishes, known as “La Vigilia” (The Vigil) in Italy, is a symbolic observance of the wait for the birth of Christ. The number seven is believed to have religious significance, representing the seven sacraments or the seven days of creation. While the name suggests seven dishes, many families prepare far more, with some feasts featuring nine, eleven, or even thirteen seafood selections.
We offer a wide selection of seafood items:
We pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of seafood products, ensuring that you have everything you need to create a spectacular Feast of the Seven Fishes. Here are some of our top picks and how you can use them in your holiday feast:
- Shrimp
Product: Frozen Shrimp. EZ Peel, Shell on, and Peeled and Deveined are available in both raw or cooked sizes.
Dish Idea: Shrimp Scampi – Sauté shrimp with garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine for a quick and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. https://www.thekitchn.com/best-shrimp-scampi-recipe-23672748 - Clams
Product: Frozen clams sold in 1 pound retail units. We also have a prepared Matlaw’s Stuffed Clams.
Dish Idea: Clams and Spaghetti – steam in bag and serve favorite sauce and serve over linguini. - Mussels
Product: Frozen Wholey mussels in 1 Pound Retail Ready units. See our Ad for details*
Dish Idea: Mussels in White Wine – Steam mussels in a fragrant broth of white wine, garlic, and fresh herbs for a simple yet sophisticated appetizer. - Squid (Calamari)
Product: Frozen calamari rings, as well as Tube and Tentacle.Dish Idea: Fried Calamari – Lightly breaded and fried to golden perfection, calamari rings make a delightful appetizer or side dish. - Scallops
Product: Frozen Bay and Sea scallops. We also have Bacon Wrapped Scallops in 1 pound retail bags!
Dish Idea: Pan-Seared Scallops – Achieve a restaurant-quality dish at home with pan-seared scallops, finished with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. - Salmon
Product: Frozen salmon fillets and portions.
Dish Idea: Baked Salmon – Top salmon fillets with a blend of herbs, garlic, and olive oil, then bake to flaky perfection for a delicious main course. https://www.wellplated.com/baked-salmon-in-foil/ - Lobster Tails
Product: Frozen warm water lobster tails. We stock from 3 oz to 24 oz lobster tails in 10# master cartons.
Dish Idea: Broiled Lobster Tails – Treat yourself to the rich, buttery flavor of broiled lobster tails, served with melted butter and lemon wedges. https://therecipecritic.com/lobster-tail-recipe/
Quality You Can Trust:
At Quaker Valley Foods, we are committed to providing the highest quality seafood to our customers. Our products are sourced from trusted suppliers, ensuring that you receive fresh, flavorful, and nutritious seafood every time. Whether you’re planning a grand feast or a cozy family dinner, you can count on us to help you make it special.
Convenience and Variety:
We offer a wide selection of budget friendly and premium seafood options available for pickup or delivery. This means you can stock up in advance and have everything ready when you’re ready to start cooking. Plus, with our variety of seafood, you’ll be able to create a diverse menu that satisfies everyone’s tastes.
Celebrate with Us:
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a reminder that the heart of the holiday season lies in shared meals, family connections, and cherished traditions. As the seafood dishes are served and stories are shared, each plate becomes part of a larger celebration of love, faith, and cultural pride. This year, consider starting your own Feast of the Seven Fishes tradition, creating memories that will last for generations to come. Let Quaker Valley Foods be your go-to source for all your seafood needs. Our quality products and recipe ideas will help you create a memorable and delicious holiday meal that celebrates tradition and brings joy to your family and friends.
Happy Holidays from Quaker Valley Foods! Buon Natale and happy feasting!
Feel free to reach out if you need more tips or recipe ideas for your feast! 🌟🍽️🎄
* Prices valid until 1.31.2025
Quaker Valley Foods is the premier seafood distributor in the Philadelphia and Mid-Atlantic region. Contact a Quaker Valley Foods Sales Specialist (215-992-0900) and place your order today